Christmas Gathering - December 11, 2014

In lieu of a regular book club meeting, we got together at Elmaro Vineyard for a holiday gathering.  Spouses were invited to take part.  Ellen and Jeff, Nanc, Christe and Steve, Julie and Bob, Linda and Jim, Annie and Paul, Judy and Scott, and Jo and John were all able to make it.  It was great to get to know the spouses, some of whom I had never met previously.

Rather than the usual half sheet of paper used to let us know what wines and food samples they were serving, they folded ours to make it look like a book.

After the wine tasting was complete, Annie (performing her duties as our unofficial spokesperson) gave a toast.

So our first year as a book club comes to a close.  And a successful year it has been.  On to 2015!

January meeting:

     Book: Report on or recommend any book (optional), we'll also watch The Book Thief

     Location: Jo Smith's

     Date: January 8, 2015

     Time: 6:30

February meeting:

     Book: The Secret Keeper by Kate Morton

     Location: Annie Larkin's

     Date: TBA

     Time: 6:30

Meeting: November 13, 2014

Judy hosted our meeting this month and provided a variety of food and a cozy meeting space. Ellen Bowes, Nancy French, Christe Gillespie, Linda Jenkins, Annie Larkin, Judy Lee, and Jo Smith were in attendance.  Scott Lee's sister, Sally, who was visiting with the Lee's, sat in on our meeting, as well.

Annie suggested that we try to get together in December with spouses / significant others since we aren't meeting for a book that month.  Annie is going to try to arrange for us to gather at Elmaro Vineyard on Thursday, December 11th.  We would likely start earlier in the evening than our typical book club meeting time.  Stay tuned for further information. (Note: Updated information is listed below the photo taken at Elmaro Vineyard)

We've also made a change.  Instead of discussing The Secret Keeper by Kate Morton in January, we are going to meet at Jo Smith's house to watch The Book Thief. And, since we have no book club book to read between now and February, Judy suggested that we come prepared to report on a book we've read in the interim.  It's possible that one of the books we report on will be chosen as a future book club read. Having a book to report on is not a requirement, however!

Annie was excited to report that CBS will be airing a mini-series based on The Dovekeepers in 2015. Annie doesn't get CBS at her house, but I'll be sure to record the mini-series to assure she'll get to see it.  Perhaps we'll have a book club meeting to watch it together. I think the mini-series will be a total of 4 hours, so we'd definitely want to watch it in more than one sitting if we watch it together.

In discussing The Dovekeepers by Alice Hoffman, Annie loved the way the story was so cleverly woven as the four women narrate their story.

Judy read this quote from Yael, "I wished for a night without dreams, a world without lions, a year without Av, that bitter, red month."  Judy was also thankful that she was born at the right time because she didn't think she could have endured what these women did.

Jo was impressed with the imagery that Alice Hoffman was able to create with her descriptive passages.  She read two examples.  "It seemed a stone had been dropped into water, and every circle that fanned out moved the tide of our destiny along the course of some inevitable destination."  And also, "I saw it float down among us as if it were a part of the sky that had wrenched away to plummet to earth."

Ellen gave us a bit of a history lesson when she talked about also having read Zealot by Reza Aslan.  Linda admitted limited knowledge of religious history but was fascinated when she listened to a radio program where two guests were discussing religious history and the inaccuracies in how history has been written.  

As our discussion veered off The Dovekeepers, Annie mentioned a must read of The Teacher Wars, by Dana Goldstein.  After Ellen mentioned enjoying The Grapes of Math by Greg Tang and Harry Briggs, Sally said that if we enjoy books about math we might enjoy The Housekeeper and the Professor by Yoko Ogawa.

December gathering: 

     Location: Elmaro Vineyard

     Date: December 11, 2014 

     Time: 4:00
     Cost: $15/person

January meeting:

     Book: Any book of your choice, we'll also watch The Book Thief

     Location: Jo Smith's

     Date: January 8, 2015 (tentatively)

     Time: 6:30

February meeting:

     Book: The Secret Keeper by Kate Morton

     Location: Annie Larkin's

     Date: TBA

     Time: 6:30

Meeting: October 20, 2014

Jo hosted our October meeting where we discussed The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd.  After general conversation and veggie soup, we sat down to discuss the book. It appeared that all in attendance loved the book, although Grace expressed some initial trepidation about reading a book that included the topic of slavery.  Those in attendance were Ellen Bowes, Nancy French, Julie Howard, Linda Jenkins, Annie Larkin, Judy Lee, Grace Nicholson-Maly, and Jo Smith.

Grace talked about how our country was supposed to have been built on freedom, but that we have had a really dark side, as well.  Julie amended Grace's statement to say that our country was built on freedom for rich, white men and that this is something we still have not completely overcome.

A variety of members read quotes from the book.  It seemed that there were an unending number of quotes that resonated with us.  I am including a sample of the quotes that were read.

I'm actually not sure who read this quote but I think somebody read Israel Morris' comment to Sarah when she was traveling home after her father's death.  "To remain silent in the face of evil is itself a form of evil."

Judy read a quote from Sarah after she and Nina were asked to turn down their rhetoric on women's rights so as not to diminish their message on slavery.  "We don't wish the movement to split, of course we don't -- it saddens me to think of it -- but we can do little for the slave as long as we're under the feet of men.  Do what you have to do, censure us, withdraw your support, we'll press on anyway.  Now, sirs, kindly take your feet off our necks."

Annie had several quotes that she read including the message that Lucretia Mott sent to the Grimke's, "Press on, my sisters." and Sue Monk Kidd's recollection of theologian Mary Daly, who said, "Only women hearing each other can create a counter-world to the prevailing reality."  Also, Handful's comment to Sarah, "My body might be a slave but not my mind. For you, it's the other way round."

Linda liked the author's note stating that she was inspired by the words of Professor Julius Lester, which she kept propped on her desk, "History is not just facts and events.  History is also a pain in the heart and we repeat history until we are able to make another's pain in the heart our own."

Our November book is The Dovekeepers by Alice Hoffman.

Next meeting:

     Location: Judy Lee's

     Date: Thursday, November 13, 2014

     Time: 6:30pm

There will be no December meeting due to everyone being busy with the holidays.

January's book will be The Secret Keeper by Kate Morton.  The meeting will be at Annie Larkin's home.

Meeting: September 18, 2014

Christe pinch hit for an ailing Annie at the last minute, hosting our September meeting. I believe Annie provided most of the tasty food.  Those in attendance were Ellen Bowes, Kathy Day-Carey, Nancy French, Christe Gillespie Linda Jenkins, Judy Lee, and Jo Smith.

We settled down to discuss Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides.  Judy hadn't finished reading the book, but okayed everyone discussing the end.  Linda explained what happened near the end involving Father Mike, Milton, the ransom, and the accident that claimed Milton's life.  Milton died on impact, but Cal imagines Milton reflecting on his life and visiting all the places that meant something to him before his death.

Kathy thought the ending felt rushed, but that the book was well written with the detail that she covets.  Ellen said that there were a lot of weighty things said about gender that gave the reader reason to examine one's own perceptions.

Judy read a quote from when Lefty and Desdemona first came to America and saw the Statue of Liberty for the first time.  Lefty commented that he'd seen enough torches to last a lifetime, but Desdemona was more optimistic, "At least it's a woman," she said. "Maybe people here won't be killing each other every single day."

One of the main themes of the book was that no matter how bad life may seem, you can reinvent yourself or create a better life for yourself, and then you can succeed.

Our October book is The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd.

Next meeting:

     Location: Jo Smith's

     Date: MONDAY, October 20 (People had crazy schedules!)

     Time: 6:30pm

Also, we picked books for the next couple of months.  

     November:  The Dovekeepers by Alice Hoffman (Judy will host)

     December: The Secret Keeper by Kate Morton

Meeting: August 13, 2014

Ellen Bowes hosted our July meeting, another delightful evening with delicious snacks. The topics we discussed, prior to reviewing the The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker, covered recycling, being aware of where our trash ends up, solar energy, and (of course) the state of education.  Our group of attendees included: Ellen Bowes, Nancy French, Julie Howard, Linda Jenkins, Annie Larkin, Jo Smith, and Liz Webster.

Due to Jo's request that we not discuss the end of the book because neither she nor I had finished reading the book, we were limited in our conversation.  Many of us thought the book moved slowly, at first, as the characters were introduced, but the story picked up considerably about a third of the way into the book.  Now that I've finished the book, I can say that I was disappointed in the end, because I felt like the author tried to tie up the loose ends too quickly.

Liz felt that the book was "Brothers Grimm meets The Arabian Nights."  Annie loved the way the narrator wove the story.  It was interesting to see how the author interlaced the folklore from two different cultures to give us a glimpse into the experience of being an American immigrant at the turn of the century.  Ellen noted that the book did a good job of exploring what it is to be human.

Julie surmised that these folklore stories may have come about as an explanation for mental illness and other unexplained phenomenon.

It would seem that most of us took a liking to Chava (the golem), in particular, as her character was serious, timid, and selfless, while Ahmad (the jinni) was impulsive, a bit amoral, and selfish.  Jo felt for Chava when she read the list of Rotfeld's desires in a wife: "Obedience. Curiosity. Intelligence. Virtuous and modest behavior."  We also enjoyed many of the secondary characters, particularly Ice Cream Saleh.

On a humorous note, Annie said she could identify with Chava being restless at night as she has been having sleep issues due to menopause.

Our September book is Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides.

Also, our October book will be The Invention of Wings, by Sue Monk Kidd

Next meeting:

     Location: Annie Larkin's

     Date: Thursday,  September 18 (3rd Thursday so Judy, who chose the book, could attend)

     Time: 6:30 pm

Meeting: July 9, 2014

Christe Berth hosted our July meeting.  After visiting outside for awhile and admiring all the work Christe and Steve have done in their flowerbeds, we moved indoors for some additional social and snack time.  It was wonderful to catch up with Grace, who was able to join us this month.  Those attending included: Christe Berth, Ellen Bowes, Kathy Day-Carey, Nancy French, Julie Howard, Linda Jenkins, Judy Lee, Grace Nicholson-Maly, and Jo Smith.

It appeared that everyone enjoyed reading The Orphan Train, by Christina Baker Kline. Many had no previous knowledge of the orphan train in our country's history.  Kline was able to weave this part of our history with a contemporary story line.  Vivian and Molly befriended each other in the contemporary portion and facilitated one another in breaking down some emotional barriers.

Judy read this excerpt because it reminded her of Annie imitating her grandmother as she wiggled her fingers and revealed that she heard 'they nibble on it' now.  

"Well, you're not exactly effervescent now, are you?"  Vivian says.  "But I saw you oustide earlier when Jack dropped you off, and your face was -- Vivian lifts her knobby hands, splaying her fingers-- "all lit up.  You were talking up a storm."

Jo was especially taken by the concept of portaging.  Molly learned in her history class that the Wabanaki Indians had to decide what possessions were necessary and what could be discarded when portaging their canoes.  The project assigned to the class required students to 

"...interview someone -- a mother or father or grandparent -- about their own portages, the moments in their lives when they've had to take a journey, literal or metaphorical...  ... The questions on the assignment sheet are: What did you choose to bring with you to the next place?  What did you leave behind?  What insights did you gain about what's important?

Kathy shared her favorite quote from when Molly was listening to the tape of her interview with Vivian for her school project.

"Time constricts and flattens, you know.  It's not evenly weighted.  Certain moments linger in the mind and others disappear.  The first twenty-three years of my life are the ones that shaped me, and the fact that I've lived almost seven decades since then is irrelevant.  Those years have nothing to do with the questions you ask."

Our August book (as previously reported) is The Golem and the Jinni, by Helene Wecker.

We have also selected books for the next two months:

     September: Middlesex, by Jeffrey Eugenides
     October: The Invention of Wings, by Sue Monk Kidd


Next meeting:
     Location:  Ellen Bowes home
     Date: Wednesday, August 13, 2014 (Wednesday, due to Larryfest)
     Time: 6:30 pm

Meeting: June 12, 2014

Our June meeting was at Linda Jenkins home, with yet another varied view of the Mississippi River and Minnesota bluffs.  We had a lengthy social time, which I am always grateful for because I'm still getting to know all of the women in the neighborhood.  And with Liz Webster finally in town for a meeting, it was fun to meet her after only "knowing" her via e-mail.  Those attending were: Christe Berth, Ellen Bowes, Nancy French, Linda Jenkins, Annie Larkin, Judy Lee, Jo Smith, and Liz Webster.

The book this month was Breaking Free, edited by Marilyn Sewell.  The book is a collection of essays by women in mid- to late-life.  When we sat down to discuss the book, a number of members shared snippets that resonated with them.  Unfortunately, I returned my copy of the book to the library before jotting down any of these thought provoking examples, so I am unable to post them here for those who weren't in attendance at the meeting.  As is typical, we discussed how these citations related to our own lives.  

Our selection for July (as previously reported) is The Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline.

We have also selected books for the next several months:

August: The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker

September: Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides

October: The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd

Next meeting:

     Location: Christe Berth's home

     Date: Wednesday, July 9, 2014 (to avoid conflicting with Catfish Days)

     Time: 6:30 pm

Meeting: May 8, 2014

We met at Nancy French's to discuss The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein. After general socializing, we discussed the book a bit, but focused mostly on our own experiences with the deaths of loved ones.  This was mostly because the book opens with Enzo looking forward to the end of his life because he believes he will be reborn as a human.  Also, Enzo's reflection on his life included Eve's illness and her subsequent death. Those attending included Christe Berth, Ellen Bowes, Nancy French, Julie Howard, Linda Jenkins, Annie Larkin, Judy Lee, and Jo Smith.

Annie read a couple of her favorite quotes.  One was: "People speak of a will to live. They rarely speak of a will to die.  Because people are afraid of death. Death is dark and unknown and frightening.  But not for me.  It is not the end."  We did think that there is a point when a person is nearing the end of their life that a "switch is thrown" and one no longer fears death.

Some felt that the author did such a great job of writing from the dog's perspective that they almost felt like the dog had actually written the book.  Although some didn't like the story itself, everyone seemed to be intrigued by Enzo the philosopher.  There was a repeated saying throughout the book that came from a French race car driver. "That which we manifest is before us."  Basically meaning that our behavior and thoughts align with our expectations.  Each thought you have, each action you make, draws in positive or negative energy.  If you see yourself as having complete control over your own destiny, you will act and think and behave in a way that creates the outcome you desire.  If you are fearful, you will see everything around you as a possible obstacle.

After Linda suggested it, we selected Breaking Free, edited by Marilyn Sewell for our June book.  

We also chose our July book, The Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline which was suggested by Grace.

Next meeting:
     Location: Linda Jenkins home
     Date: Thursday, June 12, 2014
     Time: 6:30 pm

Meeting: April 22, 2014

We met at Julie Howard's home to review The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie.  Julie has a great view above the river and had plenty of delicious food for us.

Those attending the meeting were Ellen Bowes, Kathy Day-Carey, Julie Howard, Linda Jenkins, Annie Larkin, and Jo Smith.

Everyone loved the book.  Annie played an excerpt of the author reading a few passages. His delivery was sort of "flat" and yet was appealing.  Kath read several quotes that really brought some of the themes to light.  We got off on tangents (as usual) and discussed mascots, education, etc.  It was a really delightful evening of engaging, thoughtful discussion.

The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein (which was chosen at the March meeting) will be our May book.

It was suggested that we all come with a list of some possible books we'd like the group to read.  Annie thought we should plan further ahead (perhaps a whole year) so that folks that have to struggle to get the books read can more easily plan a course of action.

Next meeting:

     Location: Nancy French's home

     Date: Thursday, May 8, 2014

     Time: 6:30 pm

Meeting: March 12, 2014

We met at Jo Smith's house to discuss Life After Life by Kate Atkinson.  We spent well more than an hour socializing.  Among other things, we discussed our dismay with regards to the many trains that stop for long periods of time on the tracks in front of our homes. Annie needs to give the rest of us the phone number that she called to encourage them to stop the trains before entering the village.  She made sure they knew that there are long stretches of track that wouldn't be blocking anyone's view nor contributing to constant noise pollution when the engines are nearby.  In the warmer weather, when our windows will be open, the diesel smell will also be unpleasant.  

We finally settled down to discuss the book.  Many of us had trouble getting into the book and some weren't able to finish it in time for the meeting.  But, we were still able to discuss our thoughts about Ursula's many incarnations.  The repeated and vivid descriptions of the blitz also brought to life the grim circumstances of the time.

Christe was the star of the night when she thought to bring our attention to the purposely misquoted Edmund Burke.  "All that is needed for the forces of evil to triumph is for enough good women to do nothing."  

We have chosen The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie for our April book.

Next meeting:

     Location: TBA

     Date: Tuesday, April 22, 2014

     Time: 6:30 pm

We also chose the book for the May meeting for those who may want to get the book ahead of time.  The May book will be The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein.

Meeting: February 13, 2014

Our February meeting was hosted by Ellen Bowes.  After some tasty treats and beverages, we settled down to discuss The Book Thief by Markus Zusak.  In general, the book received favorable reviews from our group.  Our meeting morphed into a discussion of other social issues both from our past and currently.

Those attending the February meeting included: Christe Berth, Ellen Bowes, Kathy Day-Carey, Nancy French, Julie Howard, Annie Larkin, Judy Lee, and Jo Smith.  We're all hoping that Grace Nicholson-Maly, who has moved away from Trempealeau, will still be able to join us regularly.

The March meeting date has been moved from the typical "second Thursday" to the second Wednesday in March.  The book selected for the March meeting is Life After Life, by Kate Atkinson.

Our next meeting:

     Where: Jo Smith's home

     Date: Wednesday, March 12th

     Time: 6:30 pm

Meeting: January 9, 2014

The book club had a wonderful January meeting.  There were only four people attending; but, a very enjoyable foursome.  We discussed the book Grace (Eventually): Thoughts on Faith by Anne Lamott.

Ann Larkin was the expert on Lamott's writings.  Ann brought her lap top and we watched a clip of Anne Lamott being interviewed and talking about her writings------very interesting. Annie had read other books (fiction and non fiction) by Lamott;  so she is very well versed on her books.  We discussed the book and how we felt about it and whether we enjoyed it and to what degree. 

Attending:  Christine Berth, Ann Larkin, Ellen Bowes, Judy Lee

The next book we are going to read is The Book Thief by Markus Zusak.  Judy stopped at the library today.  Jessica will send for the two copies of The Book Thief that are available for checkout, in the system, today.  She is also reserving the other 8-12 copies that can be gotten throughout the system.  She will e-mail Judy as each comes to the library and Judy will send out a "heads up" to us.

Our next meeting will be February 13th at Ellen Bowes' at 6:30pm.